Numerical investigation of hydrodynamic conditions in a pilot tubular photobioreactor

Abstract

A numerical simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was utilized to investigate the flow hydrodynamics of pilot horizontal tubular photobioreactor (PBR) with a 11 700 L culture medium. To establish the reliability of the simulation study, the CFD model was validated using ultrasonic flow meter computed data. Hydrodynamic analyses evaluated average circulation time and flow regime of a culture medium. Appropriate hydrodynamic conditions are important in order to prevent sedimentation of microalgae cells and ensure that all cells have a uniform average exposure time to light and nutrients. Appropriate hydrodynamic conditions are also important to guarantee efficient mass transfer and proper shear stresses on the transparent walls, which can avoid the formation of biofilm. Based on the numerical investigation and practical evaluation, design and operation of the PBR were adjusted in order to enhance microalgae production.